The first thing I might mention is not to specifically name the place you are going to be working for, especially at this point in the game.

I would ask for it yes, if you feel its deserved, but not for the reasons you just stated. Your monthly expenses isn't and shouldn't be their concern. Ask for it because you are worth it and feel your work is worth it. You are new to the industry and need to prove to them you are worth that increase. This might have to wait until you are on the job. But I don't seem the harm in talking to them about it tactively.

Alot of places may start you off low (especially as a jr) and after 3-6months you could be given a review and possible further compensation....ask about that. These 3-6 months could make or break you. It's not all about your design work, but your personality and how you fit in to office culture. Employers don't just fork money over because your expenses dictate it.
You are fresh and new to the workforce with alot to learn, so I wouldn't demand anything, but ask about future compensation, you may have something bigger to look forward to. You may not get what you want at first.
Freelance on the side for the extra cash.

yeah its a smaller design community out there than you think.

Well I don't think your stuff sucks either! Go for it! Wear your clown shoes for respect!

Thanks for the tips guys.

Yarrr that's good advice matey! Yer can never sure when some scoundrel's gizoogling whilst sippin' their grog. Arrrr!

Go for it. I guess the question is will you be willing to work for what they are paying now? If not, then better to ask for more.

I feel you. I've been doing the underpaid thing, and degrading my payscale for years. I worked in restaraunts near fulltime as I went to an overpriced school for years. I was making around 35,000/yr. Then I got a job at a sign company learning print. that took me down to around 30,000, but I worked the tables for a couple of months, till it got to be too much. I got a raise (two dollars an hour... they pay hourly.) Now I'm going to a job that brings me back down to 30. However my freelance and part time that I'll work at the shop should help me cover my living expenses.

The truth is. If this is a good experience, then take it. money will figure itself out, but when we are starting out, we need to take any experience that will make us better designers and will help fill our portfolio with more than just mock ups.

good point

ARRRRR Pirate Ire!!!!

I too know the feelin' oer underpaid services lad, I'm in a bit different situation (I also be lovin me shipmates, bless their hearts) but I signed on knowing that this place didnt have a lot to pay, but the potential for growth makes up for it, of course I be startin' a mutiny if pay does not soon.

But if they be payin you less than your worth, and they can afford to pay more, you make them pay more, and if not, they can go through the trouble of finding someone else to take care of what you can.

I understand that most employers have a budget in mind when hiring someone for a job, and usually throw out a lower number than they are actually willing to pay, expecting to negotiate. If this is true, I should be ok with asking for 5,000 more, I'm thinking. I dont think its too much for me to ask to live comfortably, and I know 5,000 a year is not alot for this company to spare, whereas it would make all the difference to me. The fact is, I don't think I can live comfortably on what they want to pay, so I am pretty much counting on them to budge at LEAST 2,000 a year... I would even accept that. I guess all I can do is try and negotiate and see what happens tomarrow.

Did you ask!? or am I premature with this question......I am curious to know how it went!

I'm currently in salary negotiation too. I've been in my job since January and very underpaid, but I took the job for experience and because I had been looking for a while. They've offered me a raise, but it is a pittance and still far far under average for entry-level design. They claim they can't afford more because they are a start up, but when I probed for how much they think I might be making a few years down the line when cash flow improves it was still low. So what to do? Keep working for peanuts while actively looking for something better. If they want to retain employees they need to pay them respectful wages.

My advice, assuming you are currently not working, is to take the job but keep looking. (edit: ask for the extra $5k anyway, but _any_ job is usually better then no job)

I agree....a job is a job is a job....work and don't stop looking!